Botswana is one of the few countries where it is legal to hunt elephants (under strict government control, of course).
When the 1990 ban on ivory trade was introduces Botwsana, along with South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe, opposed it. In 1997, it was agreed that Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe could conduct international trade in elephant parts. Since then, over 1,000 tonnes of ivory have been traded by these countries, the last major international trade being in 2008, when China and Japan bought 108 tonnes of ivory from Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Elephant huntings in Botswana are very expensive, with "cheap" packages starting from $25,000 and the more luxurious ones - from $45,000.

Regardless of any laws, elephant hunting should not be tolerated.
Elephants, like whales, are truly wonders of nature and the way we treat them is despicable.

Thanks for the additional information,I'm shocked that in this day and age its still legal in certain countries.More so I'm shocked that a figure whom I respect like King Juan Carlos would be involved in such a horrific act

To be candid, I feel sorrier for the elephants than I do the king though I wish him a speedy recovery. I can't tolerate this pleasure hunting for no reason other than to bring back a big-game trophy, and wish the king had engaged in the usual royal pastime of skiing or yachting if he wanted to take a vacation. My respect for him has plummeted as a result of this senseless slaughter, and just because it's legal in Botswana doesn't mean he had to support it.

COMPLETELY agree - and especially as this is the king, he should be a moral archetype to even fight against elephant hunters. But if I am looking at his questionnable love life, he´s not an achetype either...
BYe Bine

i hope that too, specially now that there's a rumour in spain that king jc and prince felipe are having problems and they don't have the same close relationship since felipe got married.

i heard that letizia caused a lot of problems in the spanish rf, felipe's sisters don't talk to her, and the only one that tries to unite the family is queen sofia...

maybe it's just rumours...maybe not.

one thing is for sure: long live to the king!!!!

Rumours, for the EVIL Spanish press (yellow, gossip ... press) Letizia is really bad, mean ... they said she and the Infantas didn't have NO relationship but the truth is the one who has the problem was Prince Felipe with Iñaki Urdangarín because all of his ilegal bussines not a bad relation between Letizia and her sister-in-law.

Maybe Letizia is not the prototype of a Princess for the King but I think they have a normal relationship, the King said she was really profesional and I think today this is the best thing, take her role of Princess of Asturias as a job and she is doing it very well.

And the King, I think that maybe he should abdicate, his health is not good and righ now he is a really bad image for Spanish Monarchy, a very bad one after his scape to Botswana to hunt his supposed elephant.

it will be bad for Spain if the King abdicates. it will be the best if he will reign until his last breath, unless he would be not mentally capable to rule, so far is healthy enough to remain at his position.

__________________♫A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.♥

Many elderly people begin their final decline after breaking a hip. For the sake of the King's family, I hope that this is not the case. As for the elephant hunting, I find it much more repugnant than the hunting of peasants and deer--animals which are consumed as food and/or to prevent overpopulation.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EIIR

He has seemed frail to me of late and I was surprised he had it in him physically to go hunting. He seems to be on a slow decline (I couldn't think of a better term than that). I don't mean to offend anyone by saying so and I truly hope he regains his health.

Many elderly people begin their final decline after breaking a hip. For the sake of the King's family, I hope that this is not the case. As for the elephant hunting, I find it much more repugnant than the hunting of peasants and deer--animals which are consumed as food and/or to prevent overpopulation.

JC lead a life on the fast lane and is now paying the price. But his decline seems to be physically and not mentally, therefore no reason to think about abdication.

It seems that he recovered pretty well from recent injuries (otherwise he wouldnt have flown to Botswana for a few days hunting) and I dont doubt he will have another speedy recovery with all these doctors on hand. Even when he was recovering he didnt see to do too bad, went to some fun trips (eg Monaco) instead of getting back into his regular schedule.

Because of the hard life he has had (his family situation, given away as a young boy to grow up with Franco by his own father, the "arranged" marriage with Sofia only to mention a few issues) he will have tried to live life to the full after having fulfilled his main duty, saving the monarchy for the Borbon family and getting Spain back on track. Its kind of understandable and for the public or media or family it has always been a non-issue.

Good to see they look embarrassed and annoyed by the headlines and do not pose smiling a la Queen Sofia as if everything was picture perfect.

I wonder what they say to JC and how they explain to their daughters that grandpa went to Africa to shoot elephants and got injured. The girls will be confronted with this topic in school, their classmates can read.

Good to see they look embarrassed and annoyed by the headlines and do not pose smiling a la Queen Sofia as if everything was picture perfect.

I wonder what they say to JC and how they explain to their daughters that grandpa went to Africa to shoot elephants and got injured. The girls will be confronted with this topic in school, their classmates can read.

it will be bad for Spain if the King abdicates. it will be the best if he will reign until his last breath, unless he would be not mentally capable to rule, so far is healthy enough to remain at his position.

I don't think so, it will be bad if he remains as the Head of the State, there are too much criticism to him, devasting critics, but they have kind words for Prince Felipe, he is ready to be the King, so let him be the King, I think he will connect with the young people, the people who right now want a Republic even if they don't have any idea of what have been a Republic for Spain.